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March 26, 2021
Label:
Luaka Bop – Luaka Bop 0097
Format:
Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition, Blue Marbled
Country:
UK
Released:
23 Mar 2021
Genre:
Jazz
Style:
Soul-Jazz, Modal
An epic, intergenerational meeting results in one of the greatest modern jazz albums.
https://ra.co/reviews/33747
This conversation between Pharoah Sanders and Sam Shepherd, the DJ and accomplished musician known as Floating Points, gives us a glimpse into the five-year process that has culminated in Promises. Initiated by David Byrne's label Luaka Bop after Sanders heard Shepherd's work, a team-up like this comes with sky-high expectations. Promises is Shepherd's third studio album after the highly-acclaimed LPs Elaenia and Crush, and Sanders' first new recordings in over a decade. There were no singles put forward from the album, just some video previews and a smattering of press info. The time and patience put into the project is audible across its nine movements. Sanders is one of America's greatest living artists, and one of the most influential jazz saxophonists of all time. He began playing in segregated Little Rock, Arkansas (where the historical Little Rock Nine Crisis took place) and has six decades of professional musicianship under his belt. He played under Sun Ra, who bestowed the name Pharoah upon him, and crucially, with John Coltrane. The period with Coltrane became the foundation of free jazz and the well-known "sheets of sound" method.
"Listening to Pharoah play on this piece, it was like the instrument was an extension of his being, like it was a megaphone for his soul," is how Shepherd describes his playing on Promises. This is a man who has nothing to prove, and is grounded in himself and his music. For him to not only appreciate but participate in a collaborative effort with any modern artist is not only an honor but a privilege. Then there is Sam Shepherd, the English-born globe trotting DJ and neuroscience PhD holder. Through his association with defunct club Plastic People and his role in starting the Eglo label, he's shown a deep appreciation for music influenced by the African diaspora. This comes from a willingness to truly interact and learn from the community he admires without the fetishization so common in many European admirers. Shepherd spent time in the US as a young adult, when he got a firsthand education on records, DJing at Mr. Peabody Records, the now-shuttered Chicago record store run by Mark Grusane and Mike Cole. Through his DJ sets as Floating Points he demonstrates a willingness to push boundaries. In fact, he once played Pharoah Sanders' "Harvest Time" in its entirety, at Berghain, as his opening record. The admiration is mutual. "I think Sam is a great musician, and one of these geniuses just walking around on this earth," Sanders says. "I love the way he plays, and I love the way he writes."
Although the notes list separate pieces, Promises is meant to be listened to in one sitting. Clocking in at 46 minutes, it touches on various aspects of classical composition and electronic music but is, in essence, a modern jazz record. Shepherd not only plays his various keyboards, but wrote all the music and mixed the record himself. The meticulous modern production techniques merge all these strains together for a near-perfect balance. Never does it seem like one genre or instrument is at the forefront—space and timing are given ample priority at every moment. It would be easy to just have Sanders blow constantly, but his playing is never given extreme prominence. When he does play, it's the stuff of magic. Years of perfecting his craft can be heard in every well-chosen note. The string arrangements are performed by the London Symphony Orchestra. Shepherd explains how this addition was a game changer: "The sound of that orchestra playing with so much space between them felt like this audible manifestation of the times we were living through," he says. "It was wide and distant and loose, and as soon as I heard them playing, it was like the last piece of a jigsaw puzzle falling into place."
Recorded during the pandemic using a socially distanced recording process, 100 different microphones were used in the process. It's a poignant memento of a time of great uncertainty and fear. As the world attempts to reclaim some sense of "normalcy" and people begin to slide back into the hyper-paced lifestyle of the modern world, Promises is a reminder of the benefits of immersive listening. It gives the modern music fan a taste of what's lost in the endless pursuit of constant gratification. One cannot help but make comparisons to the jazz recordings of the analogue years. Active listeners will hear the movement of fingers across instruments, Sanders' breath as he blows into his reed, shuffling musicians in their seats. This adds a palpable, organic layer to the listening experience. This human aspect behind the instruments is sometimes lost on a large part of the current music listening population. Promises is not for the club; it's not party music; it isn't overly contrived intellectual dribble. What is on display here is the potential of unbound artistic striving. I dare say this may not only be Shepherd's magnum opus, but one of Sanders' greatest works as well.
Floating Points / Pharoah Sanders / The London Symphony Orchestra - Promises (just dropped)
Label:
Luaka Bop – Luaka Bop 0097
Format:
Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition, Blue Marbled
Country:
UK
Released:
23 Mar 2021
Genre:
Jazz
Style:
Soul-Jazz, Modal
An epic, intergenerational meeting results in one of the greatest modern jazz albums.
https://ra.co/reviews/33747
Floating Points: Pharoah...
Pharoah Sanders: Huh?
Floating Points: Were you asleep? I'm sorry...
Pharoah Sanders: No no... I was listening... and dreaming... and listening to music in my head...
Floating Points: Oh wow. Sorry.
Pharoah Sanders: Many times, people think I might be asleep... but in fact, I am just listening to music in my head. I'm always listening... to the sounds around me... and playing, in my mind... and sometimes I dream.
Floating Points: What were you dreaming about?
Pharoah Sanders: I'm on a ship. In the ocean. Bears coming around smoking cigars. The bears are singing, 'We have the music. We have what you're looking for.'
This conversation between Pharoah Sanders and Sam Shepherd, the DJ and accomplished musician known as Floating Points, gives us a glimpse into the five-year process that has culminated in Promises. Initiated by David Byrne's label Luaka Bop after Sanders heard Shepherd's work, a team-up like this comes with sky-high expectations. Promises is Shepherd's third studio album after the highly-acclaimed LPs Elaenia and Crush, and Sanders' first new recordings in over a decade. There were no singles put forward from the album, just some video previews and a smattering of press info. The time and patience put into the project is audible across its nine movements. Sanders is one of America's greatest living artists, and one of the most influential jazz saxophonists of all time. He began playing in segregated Little Rock, Arkansas (where the historical Little Rock Nine Crisis took place) and has six decades of professional musicianship under his belt. He played under Sun Ra, who bestowed the name Pharoah upon him, and crucially, with John Coltrane. The period with Coltrane became the foundation of free jazz and the well-known "sheets of sound" method.
"Listening to Pharoah play on this piece, it was like the instrument was an extension of his being, like it was a megaphone for his soul," is how Shepherd describes his playing on Promises. This is a man who has nothing to prove, and is grounded in himself and his music. For him to not only appreciate but participate in a collaborative effort with any modern artist is not only an honor but a privilege. Then there is Sam Shepherd, the English-born globe trotting DJ and neuroscience PhD holder. Through his association with defunct club Plastic People and his role in starting the Eglo label, he's shown a deep appreciation for music influenced by the African diaspora. This comes from a willingness to truly interact and learn from the community he admires without the fetishization so common in many European admirers. Shepherd spent time in the US as a young adult, when he got a firsthand education on records, DJing at Mr. Peabody Records, the now-shuttered Chicago record store run by Mark Grusane and Mike Cole. Through his DJ sets as Floating Points he demonstrates a willingness to push boundaries. In fact, he once played Pharoah Sanders' "Harvest Time" in its entirety, at Berghain, as his opening record. The admiration is mutual. "I think Sam is a great musician, and one of these geniuses just walking around on this earth," Sanders says. "I love the way he plays, and I love the way he writes."
Although the notes list separate pieces, Promises is meant to be listened to in one sitting. Clocking in at 46 minutes, it touches on various aspects of classical composition and electronic music but is, in essence, a modern jazz record. Shepherd not only plays his various keyboards, but wrote all the music and mixed the record himself. The meticulous modern production techniques merge all these strains together for a near-perfect balance. Never does it seem like one genre or instrument is at the forefront—space and timing are given ample priority at every moment. It would be easy to just have Sanders blow constantly, but his playing is never given extreme prominence. When he does play, it's the stuff of magic. Years of perfecting his craft can be heard in every well-chosen note. The string arrangements are performed by the London Symphony Orchestra. Shepherd explains how this addition was a game changer: "The sound of that orchestra playing with so much space between them felt like this audible manifestation of the times we were living through," he says. "It was wide and distant and loose, and as soon as I heard them playing, it was like the last piece of a jigsaw puzzle falling into place."
Recorded during the pandemic using a socially distanced recording process, 100 different microphones were used in the process. It's a poignant memento of a time of great uncertainty and fear. As the world attempts to reclaim some sense of "normalcy" and people begin to slide back into the hyper-paced lifestyle of the modern world, Promises is a reminder of the benefits of immersive listening. It gives the modern music fan a taste of what's lost in the endless pursuit of constant gratification. One cannot help but make comparisons to the jazz recordings of the analogue years. Active listeners will hear the movement of fingers across instruments, Sanders' breath as he blows into his reed, shuffling musicians in their seats. This adds a palpable, organic layer to the listening experience. This human aspect behind the instruments is sometimes lost on a large part of the current music listening population. Promises is not for the club; it's not party music; it isn't overly contrived intellectual dribble. What is on display here is the potential of unbound artistic striving. I dare say this may not only be Shepherd's magnum opus, but one of Sanders' greatest works as well.
March 26, 2021
Pelosi to California Democrats: Don't run in Newsom recall
https://www.politico.com/states/california/story/2021/03/25/pelosi-to-california-democrats-dont-run-in-newsom-recall-1369616
March 26, 2021
The IRS is rapidly issuing the CARES Act recovery rebate of $1,200 per adult and $500 per child. While many are getting their checks by direct deposit, millions will be receiving a paper check in the mail. The IRS is mailing paper stimulus checks when the agency can’t make an electronic deposit. An FDIC survey in 2017 estimated that 25% of U.S. households are “unbanked” or “underbanked.” If this describes you or someone you know, what can you do? Where can you cash your stimulus check if you don’t already have a checking account? You have several local options to cash your stimulus check without opening a bank account or prepaid debit card.
Supermarkets
Cashing Fee: Between $0 and $6
Select supermarket chains can cash large balances including your stimulus check or tax refund. Your best option can be the Kroger KR +2.2% family of supermarkets with a Money Services desk. The Kroger family supermarkets are in many cities across the United States.
These Kroger company brands will cash your stimulus check for free:
Kroger
Fry’s
King Sooper’s
Smith’s
City Market
QFC
Ralph’s
Gerbes
Bakers
Dillons
Pay Less
Fred Meyer
Pick ‘N Save
Metro Market
You may only be able to cash check balances up to $5,000 at the above stores. Call ahead if your stimulus check is larger than this amount. Other stores may charge a check cashing fee as high as $6 on your stimulus check. Some grocery stores may only cash checks smaller than $500. Most stores should give you the option of receiving your check amount as cash. You have the flexibility of buying groceries or paying for other essentials.
snip
Where To Cash Your Stimulus Check Without A Bank Account
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimwang/2020/05/02/where-to-cash-your-stimulus-check-without-a-bank-accountThe IRS is rapidly issuing the CARES Act recovery rebate of $1,200 per adult and $500 per child. While many are getting their checks by direct deposit, millions will be receiving a paper check in the mail. The IRS is mailing paper stimulus checks when the agency can’t make an electronic deposit. An FDIC survey in 2017 estimated that 25% of U.S. households are “unbanked” or “underbanked.” If this describes you or someone you know, what can you do? Where can you cash your stimulus check if you don’t already have a checking account? You have several local options to cash your stimulus check without opening a bank account or prepaid debit card.
Supermarkets
Cashing Fee: Between $0 and $6
Select supermarket chains can cash large balances including your stimulus check or tax refund. Your best option can be the Kroger KR +2.2% family of supermarkets with a Money Services desk. The Kroger family supermarkets are in many cities across the United States.
These Kroger company brands will cash your stimulus check for free:
Kroger
Fry’s
King Sooper’s
Smith’s
City Market
QFC
Ralph’s
Gerbes
Bakers
Dillons
Pay Less
Fred Meyer
Pick ‘N Save
Metro Market
You may only be able to cash check balances up to $5,000 at the above stores. Call ahead if your stimulus check is larger than this amount. Other stores may charge a check cashing fee as high as $6 on your stimulus check. Some grocery stores may only cash checks smaller than $500. Most stores should give you the option of receiving your check amount as cash. You have the flexibility of buying groceries or paying for other essentials.
snip
March 25, 2021
Label:
Fat Wreck Chords – FAT561-7
Format:
Vinyl, 7", Single, Limited Edition, Turquoise
Country:
US
Released:
1996
Genre:
Rock
Style:
Punk, Pop Punk
NOFX - All of Me
Label:
Fat Wreck Chords – FAT561-7
Format:
Vinyl, 7", Single, Limited Edition, Turquoise
Country:
US
Released:
1996
Genre:
Rock
Style:
Punk, Pop Punk
March 25, 2021
https://twitter.com/kylegriffin1/status/1374911413622218752
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/03/23/politics/fact-check-cawthorn-veterans-homelessness-migrants-hotels/index.html
Republican Madison Cawthorn said there are "zero dollars" spent on homeless veterans. He lied. It's
actually more than $2 billion this year.https://twitter.com/kylegriffin1/status/1374911413622218752
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/03/23/politics/fact-check-cawthorn-veterans-homelessness-migrants-hotels/index.html
March 25, 2021
Kengo Kuma and Associates has collaborated with Mad Arkitekter on the design of a library that will curve around existing trees in a small urban park in Skien, Norway. Named Ibsen Library, the building will become a cultural hub to exhibit the literature of Henrik Ibsen – a 19th-century playwright who was born in the Norwegian city. Kengo Kuma and Associates and Mad Arkitekter's design, developed with Buro Happold Engineering, was the winning entry of a recent competition. It will be built on a small park in central Skien alongside the Ibsenhuset – the city's cultural centre and concert hall that is also named after the playwright.
The library's design is intended to preserve and celebrate its parkland setting while maximising its potential as a public space. The building's curved form will be formed around the existing trees, while a new outdoor amphitheatre and multiple access points will help to connect the building with the park. "The selected site at the cultural quarter for the Ibsen Library offers a great potential to create a new cultural core in the city of Skien," explained Yuki Ikeguchi, a partner in charge at Kengo Kuma and Associates "Currently the park is rather quiet and hidden but in integration with the new space of the library it will be fully activated with a spontaneous flow of people and spilling out of the indoor activities."
To maximise this connection to surrounding trees and parkland, the design utilises a natural material palette dominated by tactile, warm woods. Large areas of glazing will also be introduced along one edge of the building to create the feeling of "seamless outdoor and indoor space", according to Ikeguchi. Externally, one of the most notable features of the Ibsen Library will be its softly curving, staggered roof, which lowers towards the park. It will also feature deep eaves that will shelter entrances to the library and double as covered outdoor spaces and seating areas. According to the studios, this roof will be covered in wood shingles, designed to echo the shapes and scale of the leaves on the surrounding trees. Porous versions of these shingles will be placed over skylights to create dappled light effects inside that evoke walking below a tree canopy while emitting a soft outward glow at night and in dark seasons.
Set to be built on a sloping site, Ibsen Library will have two storeys above ground and two embedded in the hillside. The majority of spaces are expected to be open in plan and free of fixed partitions, with bookcases used as dividers instead. "The project departs from the conventional idea of the library with the space to focus on research, reading and study, but our proposal for this new library is the full integration of special and daily activity," explained Ikeguchi. Among its ground-floor spaces will be a cafe and children's area, lined with timber and earthy-hued render to maximise their connection to the park. The underground floors will be designed predominantly for adults, with a cosy atmosphere that Ikeguchi describes as being "submerged, protected, and nested under the earth". A notable feature of the basement will be its sloping floor, lined with a series of wide steps with bookshelves that will double as seating for visitors.
snip
Kengo Kuma designs curved library dedicated to Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen
https://www.dezeen.com/2021/03/22/ibsen-library-kengo-kuma-and-associates-henrik-ibsen-norway/Kengo Kuma and Associates has collaborated with Mad Arkitekter on the design of a library that will curve around existing trees in a small urban park in Skien, Norway. Named Ibsen Library, the building will become a cultural hub to exhibit the literature of Henrik Ibsen – a 19th-century playwright who was born in the Norwegian city. Kengo Kuma and Associates and Mad Arkitekter's design, developed with Buro Happold Engineering, was the winning entry of a recent competition. It will be built on a small park in central Skien alongside the Ibsenhuset – the city's cultural centre and concert hall that is also named after the playwright.
The library's design is intended to preserve and celebrate its parkland setting while maximising its potential as a public space. The building's curved form will be formed around the existing trees, while a new outdoor amphitheatre and multiple access points will help to connect the building with the park. "The selected site at the cultural quarter for the Ibsen Library offers a great potential to create a new cultural core in the city of Skien," explained Yuki Ikeguchi, a partner in charge at Kengo Kuma and Associates "Currently the park is rather quiet and hidden but in integration with the new space of the library it will be fully activated with a spontaneous flow of people and spilling out of the indoor activities."
To maximise this connection to surrounding trees and parkland, the design utilises a natural material palette dominated by tactile, warm woods. Large areas of glazing will also be introduced along one edge of the building to create the feeling of "seamless outdoor and indoor space", according to Ikeguchi. Externally, one of the most notable features of the Ibsen Library will be its softly curving, staggered roof, which lowers towards the park. It will also feature deep eaves that will shelter entrances to the library and double as covered outdoor spaces and seating areas. According to the studios, this roof will be covered in wood shingles, designed to echo the shapes and scale of the leaves on the surrounding trees. Porous versions of these shingles will be placed over skylights to create dappled light effects inside that evoke walking below a tree canopy while emitting a soft outward glow at night and in dark seasons.
Set to be built on a sloping site, Ibsen Library will have two storeys above ground and two embedded in the hillside. The majority of spaces are expected to be open in plan and free of fixed partitions, with bookcases used as dividers instead. "The project departs from the conventional idea of the library with the space to focus on research, reading and study, but our proposal for this new library is the full integration of special and daily activity," explained Ikeguchi. Among its ground-floor spaces will be a cafe and children's area, lined with timber and earthy-hued render to maximise their connection to the park. The underground floors will be designed predominantly for adults, with a cosy atmosphere that Ikeguchi describes as being "submerged, protected, and nested under the earth". A notable feature of the basement will be its sloping floor, lined with a series of wide steps with bookshelves that will double as seating for visitors.
snip
March 25, 2021
Biden just now at his presser: I have every expectation I will run for re-election
https://streamfare.net/msnbc.html
March 25, 2021
My wife and I get the new Moderna variant tweaked test programme vax Tuesday.
The trial study is being run by Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, the largest hospital here in the Nordics. It is conducted by the same department that we are already involved with in a long term natural immunity study that we have been in since we contracted asymptomatic COVID-19 in late April/early May.
It is called the mRNA-1273.351 Moderna vaccine, as it is designed (like the one that was sent to the NIH in the US 4 weeks ago) to combat the South Africa (B.1.351) variant. The UK ( B.1.1.7) variant is already robustly neutralised by the Moderna vax.
We are part of a special control group, as both of us still have high naturally arrived at antibody, T helper cell, T killer cell, and B cell counts, so we know we are actually getting the vax, and not a placebo, as we are not in the double-blind cohort.
I shall keep all apprised of what happens.
March 24, 2021
https://thebanter.substack.com/p/the-filibuster-protects-republicansfrom
snip
“Scream While I’m Stabbing You And I’ll Stab You”
The specific threat here is that if Democrats reform or eliminate the filibuster, Republicans will do everything in their power to slow the Senate down. They’ll use procedural manoeuvres to drag out everything to the maximum amount of time possible. But they’re already doing that: “Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), a staunch Trump ally and fiscal conservative, has told colleagues that he plans to force the Senate clerks to read aloud the entire $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill on the Senate floor, which could slow it down by as much as 10 hours.” And lest you think this is retaliation for Democrats moving the American Recovery Plan through without allowing Republicans to drag out the process, they did exactly the same thing back in 2010. After lying to Democrats for almost two years about how they would cooperate on the Affordable Care Act, not a single Republican voted for it and then they forced the bill to be read out loud “in protest.”
So, when Democrats do not have the votes to get around the filibuster, Republicans use it and go scorched earth. When Democrats have the votes to get around the filibuster, Republicans go scorched earth anyway. McConnell’s threat is like a serial killer promising to kill you if you’re not quiet while he’s stabbing you to death. It’s not exactly an incentive to cooperate. That’s not to say there are not severe repercussions for the GOP in the Democrat’s agenda. The most obvious is the elimination of many of the voter suppression methods Republicans use to steal elections. The For the People Act would be an absolute disaster for the Republican Party. It would take years for the Republican-stacked courts to overturn the provisions of the law, and doing so would risk sparking a massive backlash against a clearly corrupted judiciary. Meanwhile, Democratic programs put into place to alleviate poverty would become entrenched, something Republicans despise. They’ve been trying to destroy Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid for decades. They’ve been unable to destroy Obamacare for over 10 years now. Without the filibuster, though, should Republicans regain power, they would be free to refashion America in their own image. Why wouldn’t they want the opportunity to fully enact their agenda without those pesky liberals getting in their way? Well, about that...
The Republican Agenda Is Toxic
Mitch McConnell spelled out what kind of terrible future he has in store for America should Republicans be allowed to pass whatever they wanted without interference from the Democrats: "We wouldn't just erase every liberal change that hurt the country -- we'd strengthen America with all kinds of conservative policies with zero, zero input from the other side," he said pointing to how the GOP would move swiftly to defund sanctuary cities and Planned Parenthood, add new protections for the right to life of the unborn, work on concealed carry laws, and a new era of domestic energy production." That all sounds just awful but there’s two problems: First, it would be very unpopular with the public and, second, it would be easily reversed when Democrats gain power again. Neither can be said of the Democratic agenda. If Republicans could “just erase every liberal change”, Medicare would be toast and Social Security would be privatized (ask George W. Bush how that went when he tried it). Republicans say their voters want abortion banned and more guns on the streets, but polling says the public wants the exact opposite. Trump spent four years enacting white nationalist immigration policies and it cost Republicans the House, the Senate, and the White House while exposing the white nationalist rot at the core of right wing politics. There’s a reason Republicans took 12 months to pass their $1.9 trillion tax cut for the rich and failed to repeal Obamacare during the 2 years they had control of Congress and the White House: It’s really hard to enact the GOP’s agenda out in the open and Republicans know it. It’s easy for House Republicans to pass the craziest nonsense imaginable because they mostly come from heavily gerrymandered districts.
snip
No Way Out
It’s not at all clear how Republicans escape this death spiral they’ve put themselves in and that’s why the filibuster is so vital to their continued existence. They’ve turned their base into a stew of rabidly xenophobic fascists, making it all but impossible for the GOP to attract new voters or moderate their message. At the same time, their voters are growing tired of broken government. Sure, they still want the cruel anti-immigrant policies but they also want the economic populism they’ve been promised for decades, not more tax cuts for billionaires. Since Republicans are manifestly incapable of doing anything constructive, being put in a position where they can’t hide their inability to govern is the last thing they want. The closer Democrats get to killing the filibuster or even modifying it so it becomes worthless as a shield, the more frantic Republicans will become. The future is already bleak for the GOP. They’ve committed themselves to a total war against democracy and the rule of law. Having their own corruption and incompetence forced onto the centre stage will be devastating. That, alone, is enough of a reason for Democrats to nuke the filibuster tomorrow.
The Filibuster Protects Republicans...From Themselves
With the filibuster in place, Republicans never have to worry about getting anything done. Which is useful because they can’t actually get anything done.https://thebanter.substack.com/p/the-filibuster-protects-republicansfrom
snip
“Scream While I’m Stabbing You And I’ll Stab You”
The specific threat here is that if Democrats reform or eliminate the filibuster, Republicans will do everything in their power to slow the Senate down. They’ll use procedural manoeuvres to drag out everything to the maximum amount of time possible. But they’re already doing that: “Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), a staunch Trump ally and fiscal conservative, has told colleagues that he plans to force the Senate clerks to read aloud the entire $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill on the Senate floor, which could slow it down by as much as 10 hours.” And lest you think this is retaliation for Democrats moving the American Recovery Plan through without allowing Republicans to drag out the process, they did exactly the same thing back in 2010. After lying to Democrats for almost two years about how they would cooperate on the Affordable Care Act, not a single Republican voted for it and then they forced the bill to be read out loud “in protest.”
So, when Democrats do not have the votes to get around the filibuster, Republicans use it and go scorched earth. When Democrats have the votes to get around the filibuster, Republicans go scorched earth anyway. McConnell’s threat is like a serial killer promising to kill you if you’re not quiet while he’s stabbing you to death. It’s not exactly an incentive to cooperate. That’s not to say there are not severe repercussions for the GOP in the Democrat’s agenda. The most obvious is the elimination of many of the voter suppression methods Republicans use to steal elections. The For the People Act would be an absolute disaster for the Republican Party. It would take years for the Republican-stacked courts to overturn the provisions of the law, and doing so would risk sparking a massive backlash against a clearly corrupted judiciary. Meanwhile, Democratic programs put into place to alleviate poverty would become entrenched, something Republicans despise. They’ve been trying to destroy Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid for decades. They’ve been unable to destroy Obamacare for over 10 years now. Without the filibuster, though, should Republicans regain power, they would be free to refashion America in their own image. Why wouldn’t they want the opportunity to fully enact their agenda without those pesky liberals getting in their way? Well, about that...
The Republican Agenda Is Toxic
Mitch McConnell spelled out what kind of terrible future he has in store for America should Republicans be allowed to pass whatever they wanted without interference from the Democrats: "We wouldn't just erase every liberal change that hurt the country -- we'd strengthen America with all kinds of conservative policies with zero, zero input from the other side," he said pointing to how the GOP would move swiftly to defund sanctuary cities and Planned Parenthood, add new protections for the right to life of the unborn, work on concealed carry laws, and a new era of domestic energy production." That all sounds just awful but there’s two problems: First, it would be very unpopular with the public and, second, it would be easily reversed when Democrats gain power again. Neither can be said of the Democratic agenda. If Republicans could “just erase every liberal change”, Medicare would be toast and Social Security would be privatized (ask George W. Bush how that went when he tried it). Republicans say their voters want abortion banned and more guns on the streets, but polling says the public wants the exact opposite. Trump spent four years enacting white nationalist immigration policies and it cost Republicans the House, the Senate, and the White House while exposing the white nationalist rot at the core of right wing politics. There’s a reason Republicans took 12 months to pass their $1.9 trillion tax cut for the rich and failed to repeal Obamacare during the 2 years they had control of Congress and the White House: It’s really hard to enact the GOP’s agenda out in the open and Republicans know it. It’s easy for House Republicans to pass the craziest nonsense imaginable because they mostly come from heavily gerrymandered districts.
snip
No Way Out
It’s not at all clear how Republicans escape this death spiral they’ve put themselves in and that’s why the filibuster is so vital to their continued existence. They’ve turned their base into a stew of rabidly xenophobic fascists, making it all but impossible for the GOP to attract new voters or moderate their message. At the same time, their voters are growing tired of broken government. Sure, they still want the cruel anti-immigrant policies but they also want the economic populism they’ve been promised for decades, not more tax cuts for billionaires. Since Republicans are manifestly incapable of doing anything constructive, being put in a position where they can’t hide their inability to govern is the last thing they want. The closer Democrats get to killing the filibuster or even modifying it so it becomes worthless as a shield, the more frantic Republicans will become. The future is already bleak for the GOP. They’ve committed themselves to a total war against democracy and the rule of law. Having their own corruption and incompetence forced onto the centre stage will be devastating. That, alone, is enough of a reason for Democrats to nuke the filibuster tomorrow.
March 24, 2021
Dem House Rep. Henry Cuellar on Morning Joe is completely smearing the Biden administration on
the border issues.
Cuellar is playing massive bothsiderism games (claiming that both sides have valid points), really blaming HHS (Xavier Becerra), saying we need to ship immigrants back to 'safe camps' in Honduras (or use that model), claiming Biden's stance is to basically to invite them all in, saying he gets more info from the Mexican side than from Biden, claiming that Biden is allowing thousands to just be released into the US with no court appearance (claims this has never happened in history), and just hyping up the 'crisis' angle to no end.
The Rethugs watching him must be doing a fucking dance.
This so-called 'crisis' framing is all bullshit. It is a seasonal increase that occurs every year, and in terms of percentage of increase, 2019's (under the fucker Trump) was larger than now, in 2021.
Cuellar (anti LGBTQ, anti-immigrant, forced birther, campaigned, fundraised for TX Rethug RWer, John Carter, etc etc) is the one who sandbagged Biden by releasing the camp pics a couple days ago:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100215256520
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